Can’t Make It to Cambridge or Oxford? Try This New Jersey Alternative

If you’ve ever dreamed about studying in a charming old university town filled with grand libraries and historic streets, you’re probably longing to visit Cambridge or Oxford in England. But there’s actually a place in New Jersey that captures a similar spirit without the transatlantic flight: Princeton. It shares the elegance and atmosphere of an English university town, while also being home to one of America’s most prestigious colleges.

A University Town with Historic Roots

Oxford and Cambridge are some of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, founded around 1096 and 1209, respectively. Both are known for top-notch academics, famous alumni, and social prestige. 

Princeton University has many of the same distinctions. It’s the fourth-oldest college in America, given that it was chartered in 1746. It has also educated many famous people, including Woodrow Wilson, Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos, Steve Forbes, and more.

Here’s another fun fact: Albert Einstein lived in Princeton for more than 20 years, and he worked at the Institute for Advanced Study. You can even walk past the house where the scientist used to live. 

Stunning Gothic Architecture

Another similarity between Princeton, New Jersey, and the English university towns? They all feature Collegiate Gothic architecture that evokes a traditional scholarly aesthetic. In fact, Princeton’s campus design was partly inspired by the historic buildings of Oxford and Cambridge.

Walk around any of these campuses and you’ll find stone façades, central courtyards, pointed arches, spires and turrets, and plenty of ornate detailing. At Princeton, standout examples include Blair Hall, Holder Hall, and Cuyler Hall—classic representations of American Collegiate Gothic design.

A Charming Downtown

Oxford and Cambridge are more than their universities. They have vibrant downtowns, and the streets lined with bookshops, pubs, tea rooms, and boutiques. 

The main streets of Princeton—specifically the areas around Palmer Square and Nassau Street—are also bustling commercial spaces. Visitors and college students alike can enjoy restaurants like Agricola Eatery, Witherspoon Grill, Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna, Alchemist & Barrister, Winberie's Restaurant & Bar, and Mamoun's Falafel. 

Interested in visiting a coffee shop instead?  You’ll have plenty of options, including Small World Coffee, maman, and Rojo's Roastery. Don’t forget to round out your trip with a visit to Labyrinth Books, which is a local favorite for readers.

Peaceful Nature

In Cambridge, you can stroll the banks of the River Cam or relax in some of the city’s parks and gardens. Princeton has its own nature-focused experiences, including the following:

• Strolling through the Princeton University campus and admiring its tree-lined walkways, ivy-covered walls, and hidden gardens
• Admiring the views at Lake Carnegie, a scenic reservoir used by Princeton’s rowing teams 
• Exploring Princeton Battlefield State Park for its Revolutionary War history and open green spaces
• Biking, walking, or jogging along the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail, a 69-mile route that passes through Princeton and connects New Brunswick to Frenchtown
• Visiting a quiet 600-acre nature preserve called Institute Woods, which has trails and birdwatching spots
• Touring the Morven Museum & Garden, a historic home with well-maintained gardens 

Arts and Culture 

We all know that Cambridge and Oxford are cultural and academic centers—but the same goes for Princeton, New Jersey. Art lovers might be interested in the Princeton University Art Museum, for example. Theater-goers can check out upcoming performances at the McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, one of the country’s leading regional theaters.

If your travel plans don’t include England this year, don’t worry. Princeton may not have medieval colleges or European charm, but its history, intellectual atmosphere, and architectural beauty make it worthy of a visit. The next time you're in the mood for a little getaway, consider taking a day trip to Princeton, New Jersey.